Dental Caries and Social Class in a Western Cape population
Objective: A pilot study was carried out to describe the caries status of a Western Cape population in terms of socio-economic status (SES), age, gender and rural/urban locations.Methods: A cross-sectional survey using standard WHO criteria and data collection format. The sample consisted of 194 subjects stratified into three age groups (12 years, 16 years and adults), location (rural/urban), gender and SES (high/low). Results: The DMFT was significantly related to SES across all age groups, for example the mean DMFT for the 16-year-olds was 5.3 in the low SES group compared to 2.6 in the high SES group. The mean DMFT in the 16-year-olds was 3.94 compared to 1.81 in the 12-year-olds. In the 16-year-olds, an average of 3 teeth needed fissure sealants, and two teeth needed fillings. All age groups had a low need for extractions. Conclusion: The distribution of caries was significantly associated with SES in this population. The difference in dental caries prevalence between the 12 and 16 year olds needs to be urgently addressed.
This pilot study was funded by the NIH, grant number R21 DEO 13704-01.
Division: South African Division
Meeting:2004 South African Division (Pretoria, South Africa) Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Year: 2004 Final Presentation ID:0 Abstract Category|Abstract Category(s):Scientific Groups
Authors
Amien, F
( University of the Western Cape - Dental Faculty, Cape Town, N/A, South Africa
)
Gordon, N A
( University of the Western Cape - Dental Faculty, Cape Town, N/A, South Africa
)
Yasin-harneker, S
( University of the Western Cape - Dental Faculty, Cape Town, N/A, South Africa
)
Lalloo, R
( University of the Western Cape - Dental Faculty, Cape Town, N/A, South Africa
)
Myburgh, N
( University of the Western Cape - Dental Faculty, Cape Town, N/A, South Africa
)
Simpson, K R
( University of the Western Cape - Dental Faculty, Cape Town, N/A, South Africa
)